A MAN from Runcorn has been handed one of the UK’s first stalking protection orders.

Cheshire Police has secured the first such order in the county, which will ban him from contacting a woman or her friends and family for the next five years.

He is also barred from entering a part of Cheshire, and will be required to hand over any electronic devices when requested to do so by an officer.

The force was unable to provide any further details about the man or the specifics of his case due to ongoing criminal investigations.

This is the first order of its kind to be imposed in Cheshire.

Detective chief superintendent Denise Worth said: “Once again, we are proud to be leading the way in Cheshire.

“This full stalking protection order is a first for the force and is testament to the dedication and hard work of all those involved in securing this order at court and safeguarding a woman who is potentially at risk of stalking behaviour.

“It is a great example of teamwork at its best.

“The officers involved in the case have worked extremely hard alongside solicitors from the force’s legal team and dedicated domestic abuse officers working within the force’s public protection directorate to ensure a positive outcome for the victim with a full order being granted.

“Not only does it restrict the activities and movements of the man for the next five years, it also provides peace of mind to the victim that safeguarding measures are in place if needed.”

Stalking protection orders were first introduced in this country in January this year and can be imposed without a criminal conviction.

Joanne Clark, from Cheshire Police’s legal services team, said: “The impact of stalking behaviour should never be underestimated, and I hope that this case highlights once again that as a force we are committed to doing everything we can to make sure that all options are explored when dealing with this type of behaviour and to ensure the best possible outcome for the victim.

“Together with the valuable work our officers are involved in as part of the Integrated anti-stalking unit, we are helping to make a real difference to people affected by this issue.”

Police and crime commissioner David Keane added: “Stalking is an abhorrent crime which leaves its victims living in fear.

“I am pleased to have provided funding to support the work of Cheshire’s integrated anti-stalking unit, which works hard to address stalking at its root cause and provide protection and support for victims of the crime.

“Cheshire Police is one of the first forces to secure a full stalking protection order, and I would like to acknowledge the efforts of officers and the force’s legal team in securing this.

“It is an important tool that can be used to deal with stalking behaviour and will provide vital reassurance to the victim that we are taking the issue seriously and doing everything we can to help.”